Tuesday, March 23, 2010

As long as I have known, Good Friday (and usually Easter Monday) have been public holidays. And this made perfect sense to me because I was part of a family that was active in the church. Besides, for many years we went to my grandparents' for Easter and the 4 day weekend made this more possible.

But more and more now I have to wonder why. AFter all why, in a nation that has no official religion, do we make a public holiday of one religion's holy day?

The JNAC Report of the church to which I am going named that they are in the transition zone between Pastoral and PRogram. So when I knew I was interviewing with them and then saw this book at the book display at PResbytery I picked it up. (interestingly, although it is an ALban Institute resource it no longer appears on their website bookstore so it must be out of print)

I am now wondering if it was worth it. SOme of the book was pretty good. Of course you need to translate the US bias in places (Canadian churches generally have different numbers for the various sizes). But the last chapter, the process left me feeling kind of flat. Maybe it would be of more interest if you were in the process of planning to implement it.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

At the close of worship this morning I read out my letter requesting a change of Pastoral RElations. That is church-talk for saying that I have accepted a call at another church and will be moving. ANd you know what? Despite interviews and travelling to visit the place and making decisions te most stressful part of the whole process (thus far, purchasing a house and packing and moving will provide their own stress I am sure) was standing there in front of those people I love to read that letter.

Then when I got home from Bible Study the e-mail was there confirming that the congregation has had their meeting and approved the call.

On my trip this Monday I read this one (with a 3.5 hour layover in the Calgary airport the book went pretty fast).

ANd oh do I wish I had found it a few years ago. The process Cawley outlines is one I think would work really well in this congregation to explore identity questions. But right now is not the right time to start the process.

SHe suggests an identity exercise that leads the congregation into describing the person that the congregation is. WHat is their gender, their age, their life-stage, their health etc. And all this she grounds in reminding the congregation that they are the body of Christ. I heartily recommend this book.